Acting Principal’s Message | Mr Damien Fall

Dear Members of the Terrace Family,

As I write, the significance of this week for those in our community is very much in my mind. Families will be conscious that we are celebrating Catholic Education Week, and to help understand its importance, considering the statistics is a good start. This year, we celebrate 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia. With more than 300 schools, 20 000 staff and 150 000 students, one can only imagine the millions of lives that have been positively impacted by education in a Catholic school. My seven siblings and I were raised in the Catholic tradition by our wonderful parents, and one of the greatest gifts they gave us was a Catholic education. It is the reason I pursued my vocation as a teacher and that my wife and I chose to educate our three sons in the same tradition.

I do not doubt the unique nature of a Catholic education and its significant role in the formation of students who are fortunate enough to enjoy it. At Tuesday morning Mass this week, the homily spoke of humans as being far from perfect, having both good and bad in us. We were challenged to use our education in the Catholic tradition to grow the good. I sincerely hope that the partnership between home and school includes shared values that we can help each other instil in our young men and help them be their very best. Teaching is a noble profession and one that most of us view as a vocation. I would like to pass on the thanks of the Terrace Family to our dedicated teachers, who aim to make a Terrace education something unique and memorable. It is also important to show our gratitude to the many non-teaching staff who strongly contribute to making our College the place it is.

At this week’s Academic Medal Assembly, I had the pleasure to congratulate our 368 medal recipients and nine students who accepted diligence and improvement awards. I compared the same medals currently being awarded at the Tokyo Olympics when acknowledging our gold, silver and bronze award winners. While the medals capture an achievement, they are more importantly a symbol of the time and effort that has been devoted to reaching that point. Rewards come on the back of hard work, and I encourage all Gentlemen of Terrace to keep giving their very best to achieve their potential. Personal excellence is about an individual student being the best he can be, not necessarily better than everyone else. Congratulations to all students who continue growing our proud academic tradition by aiming for personal excellence.

I need to pass on some reminders about etiquette when picking students up and dropping them off. In doing so, I ask that parents show respect for other drivers and our neighbours. In particular, I ask that parents and caregivers adhere to the following:

• Please never perform u-turns in Rogers Street.
• Please do not stop your car across neighbours’ driveways, even briefly.
• Please do not stop or pick up in the middle of the road – take a lap around the block instead.
• Please turn your engine off if you have to wait for your son.

A minor personal inconvenience goes a long way towards maintaining good relations and ensuring students are as safe as possible.

Finally, I wish Mr Damien Cuddihy, Dean of Students, the very best as he takes two weeks of personal leave, returning in Week 5. Damien is outstanding in his role, and we will miss his energy and selfless enthusiasm. In his absence, Mr Terry Thompson will act in the role of Dean of Students. Please continue to direct any pastoral matters to your son’s House Dean, who will receive support and assistance from Mr Thompson as required.

My very best wishes to all during Catholic Education Week.